He thrilled locals when he went walkabout in the Turnpike area of the town, near his great-grandfather’s ancestral home.

Independent Councillor Frankie Neylon proposed that the Council send their congratulations to three times world champion Ali ahead of his landmark birthday. Cllr Neylon said: “It is just a little token from the sited council.”

Fine Gael councillor Johnny Flynn said: “I know we can’t make any commercial gain from our links with Muhammad Ali, but his family told us that the welcome he received here was of more importance to him than the medal he received in the Olympics. We should be marketing that welcome.”

Labour Party representative Paul O’Shea said: “Muhammad Ali should be the first person to receive the proposed Clare passport.”